DJ and bar manager Alan Taylor dated Steenkamp for six months while the model was a law student and described her as a "very intelligent, beautiful person, easy on the eye as well as an amazing character."

Pistorius appeared in Pretoria Magistrates Court this morning to answer the charge of one count of murder, which his family said he denies "in the strongest terms." Prosecutors say they plan to argue premeditation, which carries a mandatory life term — an announcement that caused the Olympian to slump forward in tears.

South Africa media reports say security guards at Pistorius' estate found the athlete near Steenkamp's body and it appeared she had been shot through the bathroom door four times.

The Pistorius family and management team issued a statement to press, reading, "Firstly, and most importantly, all our thoughts today must be with the family and friends of Reeva Steenkamp."

"Oscar Pistorius has appeared in court here in Pretoria this morning formally charged with the murder of Reeva Steenkamp. The alleged murder is disputed in the strongest terms."

"Oscar Pistorius has made history as an Olympic and Paralympic sportsman and has been an inspiration to others the world over. He has made it very clear that he would like to send his deepest sympathies to the family of Reeva."

"He would also like to express his thanks through us today for all the messages of support he has received — but as stated our thoughts and prayers today should be for Reeva and her family, regardless of the circumstances of this terrible, terrible tragedy."